Oh happy day – a FaceTime with Annalyn and Katelyn
Posted By RichC on September 6, 2018
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Running a meeting based on Robert’s Rules of Order – condensed
Posted By RichC on September 5, 2018
Although reading the full Robert’s Rules of Order is helpful, following this short quick reference version will get you through most meetings.
For Fair and Orderly Meetings
Robert’s Rules is a time-tested standard, providing common rules of parliamentary procedure for deliberation and debate in order to place the whole membership on the same footing and speaking the same language. The conduct of ALL business is controlled by the general will of the whole membership – the right of the deliberate majority to decide. Complementary is the right of at least a strong minority to require the majority to be deliberate – to act according to its considered judgment AFTER a full and fair "working through" of the issues involved. Roberts Rules provides for constructive and democratic meetings, to help, not hinder, the business of the assembly. Under no circumstances should "undue strictness" be allowed to intimidate members or limit full participation.
The fundamental right of deliberative assemblies require all questions to be thoroughly discussed before taking action. The assembly rules – they have the final say on everything. Silence means consent.
Guidelines
Building a couple of toddler vanity/toothbrushing stools
Posted By RichC on September 4, 2018
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Music Monday with The Band from 1969 – Happy Labor Day!
Posted By RichC on September 3, 2018
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Remembering Sen John S McCain – he left an imprint
Posted By RichC on September 2, 2018
The nations’ citizens, Washington DC elites and the news media devoted significant time to honor and mourn with Senator John S. McCain’s family last week and especially on Saturday. I watched the funeral proceedings and memorial events along with much of the country who recognized his devotion to country. His loyalty to the men and women who serve and have served in uniform were unwavering from the beginning. McCain in every role … naval aviator, US congressman or US senator … focused on defending our country and supporting those who serve in the military. I can’t imagine there are many Americans who do not recognize his heroism when tortured as a POW … especially if they know his story. His sacrifice in remaining at the Hanoi Hilton, suffering the constant torture as a North Vietnamese prisoner when offered an early release is difficult to imagine. If for no other reason, Sen McCain deserves every citizen’s respect.
I enjoyed hearing so many kind words from his friends as well as his political adversaries who fought bitterly in campaigns and against issues McCain fought for; some I thought were worth his digging his heels in for and others I felt he should have backed down from … particularly when his party needed his vote 
(I can’t get his health care vote out of my head — although appreciated Senator Lieberman’s explanation). I also supported his 2008 run for the oval office believing he would have been a far better president than Barack Obama. The nation thought different (although in my opinion, there was no better tribute to Senator McCain than President Obama’s speech on Saturday).
Looking back, John McCain’s story of patriotism as a Navy guy had an impact on me as well. His military background, in part, is what had me applying to two military academies when I was in high school (thank you John Glenn for writing my nomination letter). I’ve always respected those who serve and served our nation. I hope the next generation sees his kind of service as heroic … and aspire to be more like John McCain … or at least show respect and appreciation for those who do.
Human-Induced Climate Change – Take it with a grain of salt
Posted By RichC on September 1, 2018
Some interesting results using my birth town and the "number of 90 degree days" in a New York Times "tool" which I interpret as wanting to alarm us into action over the "human induced climate change" projections. If you haven’t already dug your heels in with an opinion (likely influenced by politics either way) … it is not hard to recognize the slant and agenda of "Climate" writers for the NYTimes.
I’m not educated enough in climate science to know how much to panic and how much to take with a political grain of salt. Deep down I wonder if the gradual environmental improvements we have made (and I have witnessed) in the US over the last 50 years is an appropriate path … and if the focus should be on countries where there is the most room for improvement even beyond "carbon emissions." It also occurs to me that we are not as brilliant as we think; there are often unforeseen events in nature that change opinions over time … in fact 40 years ago we were fearing "global cooling!"
But below is the recent NYTimes Interactive look at my birth city of Toledo Ohio from 1960 to 2017 (more…)
Tech Friday: Yahoo and AOL sift through your emails
Posted By RichC on August 31, 2018
Tech news this week highlighted Yahoo and AOL brand email services. There are still plenty of users still using them and unknowingly being spied on (including me since I still use Yahoo for "junk" mail — I started with AOL & Yahoo in the early 1990s kept the simple rdc2@ addresses). The search algorithms and even employees are said to be searching your email and refine lists of users that they sell to advertisers.
It may not be a big deal if it helps you plan a more appropriate vacation, but can be a bit unnerving if you are seeking health advice and receive insurance ads or worse … funeral planning and mortuary ads!
If you still want to keep Yahoo Mail, go to their Ad Interest Manager page while logged in and "Opt-Out" of the "On Yahoo" and "Across the web" tabs. LINK
Yahoo, Bucking Industry, Scans Emails for Data to Sell Advertisers
When Verizon created Oath last year, it envisioned the new unit as a future advertising rival to Google and Facebook Inc. for its potential to marry data on Verizon’s vast pool of wireless subscribers with Yahoo’s highly trafficked online hubs, Verizon executives have said.
Oath owns dozens of popular websites, such as HuffPost and Yahoo Finance. It helps advertisers show messages on these sites as well as across the web, using a variety of ad-placement services.
Email scanning has become one of the company’s most effective methods for improving ad targeting, said Doug Sharp, Oath’s vice president of data, measurements and insights. He said that the practice applies only to commercial emails in people’s accounts—from retailers, say, or mass mailings—and that users have the ability to opt out.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the “furthest” of them all?
Posted By RichC on August 30, 2018
Of course perception is everything, but here’s a pretty good indicator regarding the media and their reporting/stories bias. About the political L and R split you expected?
The never ending quest to make my Sperry Topsiders last longer
Posted By RichC on August 29, 2018
Those of you who regularly read my blog know that I love wearing boat shoes (and flip-flops) and have gone thru great lengths to make them last and keep them "semi" odor free. From insoles to epoxy mixes for "wear control" … and have been accused of going a bridge too far.
Short answer, it may be an obsessive behavior trait stemming from my cheapness or "frugalism." Nevertheless, here is another attempt to make my favorite Sperry Topsiders last another year.
A face only another shark can love … or maybe not?
Posted By RichC on August 28, 2018
Just a couple of different #sharkshares this past week – they always make “attractive” photos for the blog!
Are we sure we want to celebrate this? pic.twitter.com/5jDE5Uf8Hd
— Big Peg, Diva of the Sea (@MakoPeggy) August 22, 2018
Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee
- lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
- digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.